Some of the most senior names in retail are joining forces this February in a daring charity cycle challenge across South East Asia.
NISA CEO Neil Turton, SPAR MD Debbie Robinson, NISA Director Raj Krishan and him! International’s Tom Fender are amongst the 22 senior retailers and suppliers from the UK independent convenience sector taking part.
Household brands such as Burton’s Biscuits, Cott Beverages’ Emerge energy drink, Nisa and Booker have come together to sponsor the event, which aims to raise £100,000.
The ten day test from 5-15 February will see the team ride 420 km across Vietnam and Cambodia in hot and humid conditions to support the lifesaving work of MAG (Mines Advisory Group). They will also visit MAG’s operations in Cambodia to see how the money they raise will be used.
Sharing the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to ban landmines, the UK-based charity works in South East Asia and across the world to clear war zones of mines and weapons, saving lives and helping men, women and children gain access to food, water and aid.
The cause is close to the heart of Neil Turton, a trustee at MAG. He said “I did my first MAG cycling event four years ago, and found the people passionate and their work compelling. I wanted to continue that involvement.”
“I’m looking forward to laughs and camaraderie and visiting MAG’s work in Cambodia. As a Trustee, it’s really key for me to see and spend time with MAG field teams. This is my fourth ride so the heat and distance are things I am used to – my biggest personal challenge will be burning off the extra pounds caused by all the grocery dinners”.
Echoing Neil’s words, Nisa’s Raj Krishan said “This will be my third ride for MAG. I support them because I know the real difference their work makes – this was really evident when we did the Laos bike ride last year. I’ve played an active role in getting this bike ride off the ground, spreading the word to colleagues in the grocery and convenience industry and helping to get a great team of people together to raise money for this fantastic charity.”
Ingrid Turner, MAG’s Events Officer, has full admiration for the retail team.
“Cycling in 40°C humid heat on the bumpy roads of South East Asia is no picnic… You need a good bell, good brakes and good luck!”
“But passing through such a beautiful part of the world at the pace a bike takes you is a great adventure, and raising funds to tackle the problem of landmines is a wonderful incentive. Please sponsor our intrepid team and help make lands and lives safe again!”
To sponsor team members on JustGiving please go to: www.justgiving.com/teams/grocer
Comments are closed.